ESOCS Devotional 19 November 2022
TEXT: EZEKIEL 3:12-27
MEMORY VERSE: “Then the hand of the LORD was upon me there, and He said to me, ‘Arise, go out into the plain, and there I shall talk with you.’” Ezekiel 3:22
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
The Lord manifested His glory to Ezekiel and gave him a direct instruction to go to a plain where he would be alone; and not be distracted. Many a time we lose focus on God, particularly from where He is leading us through His word and life experiences. Many things constitute spiritual noise that draws our attention away from Him. They include friends, colleagues, material things, and pleasures of all kinds. But God would want us to go far away from people into a plain in order that He may show us a fresh manifestation of His glory and empower us with the spiritual strength, wisdom, and power to live true Christian life and become effective in the work to which He has called us.
Going far away from people implies living our lives in seclusion from people who do not know God or do not take their Christian race seriously (unfortunately, many of this people abound in the church of God today); and keeping ourselves away from the issues of life that do not conform to the ways and will of God. The scripture says, “Do not come into close association with unbelievers, like oxen yoked with asses. For what is there in common between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what partnership has light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14 – WNT)
In our relationship with God, we should avoid such things that would constitute spiritual noise and seal off the ears of our hearts and minds from what God is saying to us. They may include our career, business, family, associations, drunkenness, inherent attitude in us such as pride, arrogance, greed, immorality, avarice, slothfulness, and all manner of sin and iniquity. We should silence that noise before it cuts us off from our God!
Those that are called to preach and teach the word of God must find time to study, and must spend a great deal of time too. They must often shut themselves up from people in their houses, that they may give attendance to reading and meditation, and be able to work effectively for God in His vineyard. Our quiet time of learning and fellowship with God will renew our strength and enliven us with the spiritual energy we need to accomplish the task that is set before us. It is very rewarding to be alone with God some of the time, to hear Him, converse with Him, and commune with Him. Let us also never forget to seclude ourselves from sin continually.
In most cases, the task is hard and brings with it much discomfort. But whether we are rewarded with silver and gold or nothing, let our pleasure and satisfaction be that the Almighty God our Father has given us a rare privilege and opportunity to be of service to Him while we yet live. If we are diligent to work for Him according to His will, He will surely give us a place in His kingdom; and this is priced much more than gold or anything else!
CHALLENGES
- How long do you spend in your quiet time with God?
- Write down everything that constitutes spiritual noise and eliminate them from you.
PRAYERS
- Pray the Holy Spirit to guide you in all things always.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 19 November 2022
